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Market · Assunção, Assunção
Mercado 4
The large popular market of Asunción, opened in 1942, occupying whole blocks in the Pettirossi neighborhood with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, herbs for tereré, clothing and food stalls serving Paraguayan cuisine.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mercado 4
The Mercado Municipal No. 4, known by everyone as Mercado 4, is the largest popular market in Asunción. It began in 1942, when merchants from the old Mercado Guasu, which stood where the Plaza de la Democracia is today, were moved to the Pettirossi neighborhood. Over time the stalls spread into the surrounding streets and the market came to occupy whole blocks.
It's a place to see everyday city life: fruit and vegetable stalls, cassava, corn, cheese, medicinal herbs and herbs to mix with tereré, clothing, household items and electronics. You hear a lot of Guaraní among the vendors. The Paraguayan film 7 Cajas, by Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori, takes place in the market and the streets around it.
The market kitchens serve everyday Paraguayan food, like chipa, sopa paraguaya, mbejú, empanadas and meat dishes. The best time is in the morning, when goods arrive and the bustle still feels like a fair.
The aisles are narrow and busy. The visit pairs well with the center, a few minutes away by taxi.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning on weekdays, when the stalls are stocked and the heat hasn't built up yet. Many stalls close earlier on Sundays.
How to get there
It's in the Pettirossi neighborhood, around Avenidas Pettirossi and Rodríguez de Francia and Perú street, about 3 km from the historic center. A taxi or ride‑hailing app takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Tip
Ask at the herb stalls for the mix for tereré, the cold yerba mate tea, and try the hot chipa. Wear light clothing and closed shoes: there are a lot of people and the floor is uneven.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado 4
What can you buy at Mercado 4?
Fruits, vegetables, cheese, cassava, herbs for tereré and medicinal herbs, clothing, household items and electronics. The food stalls serve Paraguayan food.
What's the best time to go?
In the morning on weekdays, when the stalls are full and the heat hasn't set in yet.
Does Mercado 4 appear in any film?
Yes, in the Paraguayan film 7 Cajas, by Juan Carlos Maneglia and Tana Schémbori, which is set in the market and the surrounding streets.
What to eat in the market?
Chipa, sopa paraguaya, mbejú, empanadas and meat dishes at the kitchens and food stalls.